Tough ELCA Flies into The Bud Friday

November 17, 2009

The Eagles Landing Christian Academy Chargers have made two trips to Lincolnton in past playoffs, including last year's second round game, and have failed to score. That streak will be much harder to maintain this year when ELCA's high-powered offense comes thundering into Buddy Bufford Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:30.

The winner of this Friday's game will play the winner of Miller County at Savannah Christian. If Savannah Christian and Lincoln County both win, a coin toss will decide the game location. If our Devils and Miller County win, the quarterfinal game will be in Lincolnton.

This Friday's game will be broadcast on WSGC 105.1 FM from Elberton. The broadcast crew includes Doug Newman, Addison Belangia, and Dan Rosser. As usual with games covered by the Lincoln County Football Network, the game will be streamed on the Internet and shown later on the local community cable channel.

The opponent from McDonough has averaged scoring nearly 46 points per game in winning its last 9 contests. It's lowest point total was last weeks' playoff win over Athens Academy, 23-18. That means our Devil Defense will once again face a strong test. The Chargers two losses were to playoff teams, 24-16 to AA Henry County and 35-20 to 5-A champ Holy Innocents.

The only common opponent has been Warren County, which ELCA whipped 49-26 in September. Our Devils have to come from behind to defeat the Screaming Devils 19-18 two weeks ago.

ELCA returned 6 on offense and 6 on defense. It's top player is linebacker/end Marcus Fairley. Other players to watch include Darrien Hudson, Tanner Rogers, Christian Reeves, and Aaron Spratlin.

The GHSF Daily included these comments from ELCA coach Jonathan Gess in their preseason preview: "The first time we went to Lincoln County [2006] we got best 38-0," coach Jonathan Gess said. "Last year we had a chance to win and just didn't make the plays when we had to [losing 7-0]. But we showed that we can play with anybody and I think we believe that now. The kids are working hard. We have 72 in our program and 62 are participating consistently in our workouts. We'll be a little young. We'll probably start four sophomores on offense and a freshman. But if our sophomores play up to the level of their talent, there's no reason we can't be as good as we were last season."

Tickets

Tickets are $8.00. Advance tickets are on sale at the Middle School Wednesday (8-3), Thursday (8-3) and Friday (8-1).